Holi is one of India's most widely celebrated festivals. However, amid the mainstream festivities that paint the nation in hues of joy and exuberance, lesser-known celebrations exist that carry unique cultural significance in various regions across the country. These celebrations offer a glimpse into India's diverse cultural landscape, showcasing traditions often overshadowed by more prevalent customs. Here we delve into some of these lesser-known Holi celebrations, each offering a unique flavour of the festival.
This tradition originates from the Braj region of Uttar Pradesh and is a riotous affair where women playfully beat men with sticks, symbolising the legendary mock battle between Lord Krishna and Radha. In Barsana, the village women wield lathis (sticks) to fend off men from Nandgaon, who try to smear them with colours. The festivities culminate in a colourful display of camaraderie and folklore, attracting visitors from far and wide to witness this unique spectacle of Holi.
While Holi is not traditionally celebrated in Kerala with the same fervour as in North India, the coastal town of Guruvayur hosts a unique variation known as Manjal Kuli. Instead of coloured powders, turmeric paste mixed with water is doused on participants to symbolise prosperity and fertility. The celebrations are accompanied by traditional music, dance and feasting, adding a unique flavour to the festival in this southern state.
Originating in the Sikh tradition, Hola Mohalla is a grand martial arts festival celebrated in Anandpur Sahib, Punjab. It was established by the 10th Sikh guru, Guru Gobind Singh, as a day for military exercises and mock battles to demonstrate Sikh martial arts. While not traditionally associated with colours, the festival coincides with Holi and is celebrated enthusiastically, featuring processions, mock fighting and displays of Sikh martial prowess.
The City of Lakes hosts a regal celebration of Holi that echoes the grandeur of its royal heritage. The Mewar royal family organises elaborate festivities at the City Palace, inviting locals and tourists to partake in the revelry. The event's highlight is the royal family's grand procession which is accompanied by traditional music, dance performances and the ceremonial lighting of bonfires.
While Holi is predominantly celebrated in North India, the festival also finds its unique expression in West Bengal. The Dol Jatra or Dol Purnima is celebrated by devotees smearing each other with coloured powders and singing devotional songs known as kirtans to mark the divine love of Lord Krishna and Radha. In Shantiniketan, the hometown of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, Dol Jatra is celebrated with great fervour as part of the spring festival of Basanta Utsav.
